10 Must-Take Songwriting Courses for Newcomers

As a college student with a passion for music, I’ve always dreamed of writing my own songs. There’s something magical about crafting lyrics that resonate with others and pairing them with melodies that stick in your head. But let’s face it, songwriting isn’t as easy as it looks. That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for the best songwriting courses out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner like me or you’ve already penned a few tunes, there’s always room to grow and improve your craft.

After scouring the internet and asking fellow music enthusiasts, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses that cater to various skill levels and interests. From online platforms to prestigious music schools, these courses offer a wealth of knowledge from industry professionals and experienced songwriters. 

So, if you’re ready to turn those musical ideas floating in your head into fully-fledged songs, grab your notebook and let’s dive into the world of songwriting education!

1. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit

This six-week online course offered by City Lit is tailored for songwriters and instrumentalists who excel at creating melodies but want to enhance their lyric-writing skills. Taught by Polly Hewett, the program emphasizes the integration of lyrics and melody, guiding students to generate original ideas and structure their songs effectively. Participants analyze songs across genres, collaborate with peers, and use advanced techniques in lyrics and meter to refine their craft. A key highlight is the focus on practical work and collaboration, culminating in recording their songs by the end of the course. This interactive approach makes it ideal for those seeking hands-on experience in songwriting.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

The Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter is a comprehensive online program designed to teach aspiring lyricists and songwriters the art of crafting compelling and impactful lyrics. Led by Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over a decade of experience, the course is structured into six detailed modules that cover every aspect of lyric writing. From finding inspiration and mastering lyrical structure to developing depth through literary tools like imagery and metaphor, the program equips participants with both creative and technical skills. Students also learn to tailor their lyrics to specific genres and collaborate effectively with other artists.

This course is highly practical, featuring HD video lessons, printable resources, real-life exercises, and writing prompts to foster hands-on learning. Participants can study at their own pace and gain lifetime access to all materials, including future updates. Additionally, the course offers optional one-on-one mentoring for personalized guidance. By the end of the program, students will have developed a deeper understanding of lyric writing, gained confidence in their creative abilities, and acquired the tools needed to craft polished and emotionally resonant songs.

Ideal for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, this course not only focuses on enhancing lyrical creativity but also provides insights into industry practices. With its engaging content and actionable advice, the Lyrics Writing Course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their songwriting skills.

3. The Art of Songwriting – Belmont University

Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting is a comprehensive course designed to empower songwriters at all levels. Created by Emily Falvey, a celebrated songwriter, this program blends theory with practice through six modules. Participants learn essential skills such as crafting compelling melodies, writing emotionally resonant lyrics, and overcoming writer’s block. The course also delves into collaboration techniques and the business aspects of songwriting, helping students build sustainable careers in the music industry. Notable contributors include Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives, offering unparalleled insights into professional songwriting. Delivered asynchronously, this self-paced course allows learners to progress at their own speed while accessing a wealth of industry expertise.

4. How to Write Your First Song – The University of Sheffield

Offered by The University of Sheffield, How to Write Your First Song is a beginner-friendly course that introduces participants to the fundamentals of songwriting. This program focuses on developing an understanding of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyric writing. Through step-by-step guidance, students learn how to combine these elements into a cohesive song. The course encourages creativity while providing practical exercises to help learners craft their first complete composition. Ideal for those with little or no musical background, it offers an accessible entry point into the art of songwriting while fostering confidence in creative expression.

5. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches – Academy of Music and Sound Online

This four-week course, offered by the Academy of Music and Sound Online, is designed to help songwriters of all levels refine their lyric-writing skills. The program covers a range of creative techniques to inspire and invigorate lyrical output. Each week focuses on a different aspect of songwriting, such as sensory writing, collecting inspiration, storytelling through narrative and metaphor, and achieving prosody in lyrics. The course emphasizes practical exercises and creative discussions to help participants develop their unique voice as lyricists. Ideal for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, this course provides tools to overcome writer’s block and create meaningful, authentic lyrics.

6. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory – Udemy

This comprehensive Udemy course combines lyric writing with music theory to teach students how to craft commercially successful songs. Led by an experienced songwriter with over 20 years in the industry, the course covers essential topics such as song structure, chord progressions, melody construction, and crafting memorable hooks. It also delves into storytelling techniques, emotional resonance in lyrics, and insider tips for breaking into the music industry. With over 70 video lessons, attached exercises, and industry resources, this program is ideal for aspiring songwriters who want to write hit songs while learning about the business side of music. Its step-by-step structure ensures accessibility for beginners while offering advanced insights for seasoned writers.

7. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization – Berklee College of Music

Offered by Berklee College of Music through its online platform, this specialization is a multi-course program tailored for aspiring singer-songwriters. The curriculum covers songwriting fundamentals such as lyric writing, melody creation, and arranging music. Participants learn to craft lyrics that resonate emotionally while integrating them seamlessly with melodies. The program also explores topics like performance techniques and producing music in home studios. Guided by Berklee’s accomplished faculty, this specialization provides a well-rounded education in songwriting and performance. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to develop their artistry while gaining practical skills for creating and performing original music.

8. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

This course, offered by ICMP Elevate, provides a deep dive into the art of lyric writing. It is designed to help participants explore every aspect of crafting impactful lyrics, from experimenting with structure and rhyme schemes to mastering storytelling techniques. Over six modules, students analyze influential lyrics, develop their unique lyrical voice, and learn strategies such as free writing and storyboarding. The course also emphasizes the technicalities of style and formatting, including melodic math and genre conventions. With flexible learning options and lifetime access to materials, this program is ideal for aspiring lyricists seeking to refine their craft at their own pace.

9. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics – Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music’s Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics is a comprehensive course that focuses on creating emotionally resonant and structurally sound lyrics. Authored by renowned lyricist Pat Pattison, this 12-week program teaches participants how to build lyrics from a central idea, such as a song title, and effectively integrate them into different song sections. Topics include rhyme techniques, rhythmic phrasing, and creating contrasts between verses and choruses. Through practical assignments and expert guidance, students learn to craft polished lyrics that connect with listeners. This course is perfect for those looking to elevate their songwriting skills with professional-level instruction.

10. The Basics of Pro Songwriting – Tom Worth

Tom Worth’s The Basics of Pro Songwriting is a practical course aimed at helping aspiring songwriters create commercially viable songs. The program covers essential elements such as generating compelling titles, crafting memorable hooks, and structuring songs effectively. It also emphasizes universal emotional truths and consistent lyric perspectives, which are hallmarks of hit songs. With video lessons, assignments, and personalized feedback from the instructor, participants gain hands-on experience in developing their songwriting skills. This course is particularly suited for those who want to break into the music industry with a strong foundation in professional songwriting techniques.